Meters & AMR

AMR reportThe number of new AMR projects in the US has grown 40 percent from 1999 to 2000, growing from 476 to 666 new projects. About two-thirds of these projects were water utilities. This is just one highlight from Cognyst Consulting's recent publication of the 5th edition of "The Scott Report: AMR Deployments in North America." The report covers the market for AMR systems and related subsystems, devices, and services in North America. It includes an executive summary, industry overview, and detailed data on AMR shipments, communications infrastructure, and vendor results. "Most utilities no longer ask, 'Should we deploy AMR?' Instead, they are now asking, 'When and where should we deploy it?'" said Howard Scott, managing partner at Cognyst and editor of The Scott Report.Cognyst ConsultingPequannock, NJTel: 973-696-5793Web: www.cognyst.com

Click here to enlarge imageMag flowmetersMagnetoflow® mag flowmeters from Badger Meter offer non-intrusive, accurate flow measurement for water and wastewater applications. They feature microprocessor based electronics, pulsed DC excitation frequency and accuracy of ± 0.25% of actual flow. These meters come with intuitive programming software and a full array of electrical outputs ready for AMR or SCADA systems connection. Built-in LCD display provides simultaneous display of rate of flow, forward and reverse flow totalizers and error messages. These meters are available in all standard pipe sizes up to 54 in.Badger Meter, Inc.Milwaukee, WITel: 414-355-0400Web: www.badgermeter.com

Click here to enlarge imageTelemetry interface unitTeldata Solution's TdS-2 Telemetry Interface Unit (TIU) is an advanced data-recording device designed to communicate and deliver interval data to Teldata's AMR System. The TdS-2 is a low cost universal 2-port TIU with extensive data logging, power outage and independent port/meter tamper capability. It can read electric, gas or water meters and any combination of encoded or pulse output meters automatically at intervals of 5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 minutes, and daily.Teldata SolutionsPortland, ORTel: 888-422-8484Web: www. teldatasolutions.com

Click here to enlarge imageFlow meterFloCat offers the C-IK55-E series Borosilicate Glass Flow Meter. The series is designed for wide chemical compatibility for both liquids and gases. Features include 304 stainless frame, plates and shield retainers; 3/16 in. thick polycarbonate shields; repeatability ± 0.5 percent of full scale; and accuracy to ± 3 percent of full scale. Options available include special scales available in any volumetric unit; alarm compatible; O rings in Viton, Buna-N and Kalrez; and NIST traceable calibration certificates.FloCatKenosha, WITel: 262-653-0790Web: www.flocat.com

Click here to enlarge imageTurbine metersDesigned for moderate to high volume applications where accuracy is essential, the Horizon turbine meter from Hersey Meters is built to maintain its accuracy over extended periods. It meets requirements for commercial, industrial, irrigation, master metering and any installation that requires high accuracy over variations in flow of a ratio of 100:1 or more. The streamlined flow pattern design enables the meter to deliver superior flow with low pressure loss. The Hersey Retro Thrust® floating turbine shaft design limits shaft wear and drag.Hersey MetersCleveland, NCTel: 800-323-8584

Click here to enlarge imageMetering systemsSchlumberger recently released two new additions to the MAPS Mobile family: the Dual R900 pit and wall meter interface unit. The meter interface unit (MIU) reads two networked ProRead encoders at once and can be connected to a compound meter or two separate meters. This reduces the utility's material and installation cost.SchlumbergerTallassee, ALTel: 800-645-1892

Click here to enlarge imageRotametersABB Instrumentation has issued a new buyers guide for its Fischer & Porter line of variable area flow meters. There are 11 different models including glass and metal rotameters. The guide covers key applications for each model as well as tube material, flow rate, pressure, temperature and functions (regulate, transmit, alarm and indicate).ABB InstrumentationWarminster, PATel: 215-674-6580Web: www.us.abb.comMeter transmitter unitsThe Hexagram STAR® meter transmitter units (MTUs) provide fully automatic meter reading without meter readers, vans or handhelds. Powerful narrow band transmitters allow the use of an economical wide-area network with a small number of data collectors. The MTUs are designed for use with water meters in basements, pits or vaults with plastic pit covers. The enclosure is hermetically sealed to withstand immersion. They are compatible with any make of water meter with electronic output.Hexagram, Inc.Cleveland, OHTel: 800-969-1057Web: www.hexagram.com

Click here to enlarge imageRate, totalizer metersThe Digi-Flo® F-1000 Series meters from Blue-White provide the performance and features of electronic meters without the need for an electrical hookup. Three versions are offered: F-100RB, a battery powered rate meter; F-1000TB, a battery powered flow totalizer; and the new F-1000RT, a battery powered rate meter and flow totalizer.Blue-White IndustriesHuntington Beach, CATel: 714-893-8529Web: www.bluwhite.com

Click here to enlarge imageAMR systemsInvensys Metering Systems, formerly Sensus Technologies Inc., is a long-time supplier of AMR systems and equipment for water. The company's AMR systems include the advanced-technology TouchRead, RadioRead, PhonRead and SubMetering Systems, all of which incorporate absolute-encoder registers that provide exceptional reading reliability and reading resolution. Its Windows-based AutoRead Software provides easy transfer of meter-reading data into a utility's billing system, and a wealth of useful management data.Invensys Metering SystemsRaleigh, NCTel: 919-870-4700Web: www.ims.invensys.com

Click here to enlarge imageHandheld meter readerThe new G5 handheld meter reader from Itron offers a powerful, integrated radio with improved performance and range, increased processor speed with a 486 processor at 33 MHz, greater memory capacity with 8 M of DRAM memory, and a larger route capacity and secure information provided by 8M of nonvolatile compact FLASH memory. It is powered by a lithium-ion main battery. The G5/G5R handheld works in conjunction with the MV-RS 5.0 software package that works in a Microsoft® Windows® environment. The G5 POD is a communications cradle and battery charger.Itron Inc.Spokane, WATel: 800-635-5461Web: www.itron.comNo-lead metersResponding to utility concerns over hardware influences on water quality, ABB Water Meters has expanded its no-lead EnviroBrass product offerings through its full range of utility meters. Water utilities now have the option of ordering 5/8 in. to 2 in. C700 positive displacement meters, 1 ½ in. to 8 in. T3000 turbine meters and 2 in. to 8 in. C3000 compound meters.ABB Water MetersOcala, FLTel: 800-874-0890Web: www.abb.com/metering

Click here to enlarge imageUltrasonic flow transmitterPanametrics' new AquaTrans™ AT868 Ultrasonic Flow Transmitter combines a low-cost flow transmitter with proven ultrasonic flowmeter technology for water and wastewater applications. The flowmeter does not obstruct flow, is easy to install, causes no pressure drop, and needs no maintenance or calibration. The microprocessor-based flowmeter is housed in a NEMA 4X enclosure and can be positioned in an accessible location close to the measurement point by mounting it either on a wall or a 2 in. pipe stand. The two-line, 16-character LED backlit LCD display shows up to four flow parameters in sequence.Panametrics, PCI Div.Waltham, MATel: 800-833-9438Web: www.panametrics.com

Click here to enlarge imageCompound metersBadger Meter has released its new compound series meter line offered in standard sizes from 2 in. to 6 in. The basic components of the new meter consist of the meter housing, interchangeable measuring elements, high flow valve assembly and sealed direct reading registers. The standard head assembly from the Turbo Series meter line is used for the high flow side of the meter. It features a "floating rotor" design that virtually eliminates bearing wear.Badger Meter, Inc.Milwaukee, WITel: 800-876-3837Web: www.badgermeter.com

Click here to enlarge imageWater MeterMetron-Farnier's Enduro 2000 series fire and domestic water meter is able to measure flow in a range from 6 gpm to 2800 gpm. The meter is sized in a compact metered laying length. This is the first meter of its kind that can accurately measure such a wide range of flow with one, compact unit.Metron-FarnierBoulder, COTel: 800-763-8766Web: www.metronfarnier.com

Click here to enlarge imageCustom AMR solutionsLogicon offers a family of solutions for the water industry ranging from IT support and services to meter reading systems. Its meter reading systems consist of manual, electronic, walk-by AMR and drive-by AMR products. The company's core product line consists of a ruggedized hand-held device, the VersaTerm®, and the VersaProbe®, which is a true "universal" probe. With the benefits of open architecture, the probe promotes open and competitive bidding on metering equipment.Logicon Comm. Info. ServicesSan Diego, CATel: 858-597-8481Web: www.logicon.com/meter

Click here to enlarge imageElectronic propeller meterSparling Instruments has released the FM104/184 MainLine™ electronic propeller meter. The new meter features fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance. Its battery powered electronic rate totalizer senses the propeller rotation via a magnetic pickup sensor in the gearbox and translates the pulses to rate and total flow. The electronics are isolated from the flow stream in a NEMA 4X enclosure. The lithium battery is rated for eight years. All meter parameters are held in nonvolatile EEPROM memory.Sparling Instruments, Inc.El Monte, CATel: 800-800-3569Web: www.sparlinginstruments.comElectronic water meterSevern Trent Services has introduced the SmartMeter™, an all electronic residential water meter with no moving parts. At the heart of the new meter is a fluidic oscillator, a non-mechanical flow chamber, which is combined with patented sensing technology to provide accuracy over the meter's full dynamic range. With no moving parts, air, particulate, high pressure, and high flow events cause no damage or inaccuracy. The sensing technology produces digital volumetric flow registration with simple "plug and play" connections providing flexibility in touch read and radio-based AMR installations.Severn Trent Services, Inc.Fort Washington, PATel: 215-646-9201Web: www.severntrentservices.comSub-meteringAMPS supplies precision water meters for commercial and industrial needs, and multi-unit, multi-tenant residential needs. Its meter products meet or exceed AWWA & PUC standards or requirements. For commercial and industrial applications, the company offers water meters, compound meters, turbo meters, flow meters, mag meters, and turbine meters. For residential condominiums and apartments, submetering equipment offers benefits that may include increased property values, qualifications for water conservation incentives, reductions up to 25 to 40 percent in domestic use and more.Accurate Metering Prod. & Serv.Los Angeles, CATel: 323-933-9443Web: www.accuratemetering.com